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Powermatic light green 90 lathe

I'm purchasing an older Powermatic 90 wood lathe for 450$ in Dayton Ohio this winter. I found it by asking a local cabinet maker about older, american made lathes. It runs but is missing some parts and the way its running concerns me a little. It isn't as quiet as I would think it is capable of...anyone out there replace the bearings on one of these? Also, the drive center may be seized in the #2 MT spindle. Could pounding it out with a long peice of drill rod inflict any damage ? Or do you remove the drive center another way. There are other problems such as some missing parts but overall this lathe is intact. The parts that it needs are mostly the things you purchase separately anyway such as faceplates, live center set, outboard faceplate. I would like to install the original style on-off switch, there is none right now. Can any woodturners out there give me some advice on how to proceed with the restoration?

Reply to
Bill
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Reply to
Byron

Reply to
Byron

Bill, Remove the drive center by turning it. They can be impossible to knock out and that much beating may mushroom the end of the center, damage bearings, crack castings etc.

If it is a square spur dive you can find end wrench, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench etc to turn it. As a last resort a large vice grip will work. Lock the spindle or put a wrench on the spindle nut and wedge the other end of this wrench against the lathe bed or the center of the tool rest so you can use both hands to turn the drive center.

It will also help to Squirt WD 40 or liquid wrench where the center enters the taper this might penetrate and help loosen it.

happy turninng, Al

Reply to
Al Hockenbery

I would try to drive it first before twisting it. A big, quick, sharp blow is much better than a bunch of little hits. Also, run the lathe to heat the headstock up and then try it if it doesn't come loose when cold. Billh

Reply to
billh

Hey Byron, The one I'm getting is a gap bed as well. Mine is a pretty early version. I believe you could get a no-gap bed or a gap bed. The xerox copied manual that Powermatic sent me clearly shows an electrical control or power switch that mounts either on the headstock or the bed. I might try to equip mine with a magnetic starter switch to avoid accidental startups or possibly one that includes a reversing switch for the motor. The color on this #90 is a light green, perhaps you have a later version. I wasn't aware that the variable speed lever could be used as an on-off switch.

Reply to
Bill

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